Our MissionThe mission of the Westside Development Corporation (WDC) is to foster economic development, promote the development and redevelopment of real estate within its target area, create viable urban communities, and preserve the character, culture and history of the Westside.

History

Beginning in 2006 with direct support of over $1,900,000 from the City of San Antonio, the WDC has solidified its operational capacity and completed extensive market studies on the service area. This has resulted in conclusive evidence of the need for business support to navigate City processes, explore low-interest financing options, and develop or solidify business plans/real estate acquisitions for small businesses and organizations.

A major organizational breakthrough came in 2009 when the WDC established our Grow West Business Expansion and Attraction Program (Grow West) to provide services to businesses based in the Westside or planning to expand into the Westside of San Antonio. Through the program, WDC has provided specific development services to businesses including: business consulting; assistance with financing opportunities for growth and expansion, including low-interest loans; and, marketing via community profiles and education on contract procurement.

The WDC is a mediator between business and the community. Any developments that the WDC Board chooses to support will be asked to address issues of hiring from the area and paying a livable wage. The WDC supports community-minded economic development.

For developers, individuals starting or expanding a business, investors, and others interested in working toward economic development in the Westside, the WDC can provide many forms of assistance. Prior to starting a project or, as soon as possible after commencing, we encourage you to contact us to discuss opportunities such as how we can help you navigate the City processes, explore low-interest financing options, consider “green” building opportunities and incentives, and meet with the community to present your project and solicit input. The WDC also has the ability to help provide an interesting perspective in the wants and needs of the Westside community through the Market Analysis Report.

As a City Council-created organization, the WDC has the ability to work within the City system to:

Educate you about potential business incentives or reduced permitting feesStreamline permitting through the Development Services CenterConnect you with business training and expertiseIntroduce potential funding sourcesHelp present your development plan to the community

Powers granted to the WDC as a Local Government Corporation (LGC) include:

The power to act as a land development company to buy, sell and accept land, buildings or other facilities to construct or lease to individuals, private corporations or other entities to use in manufacturing or other commercial activitiesThe power to issue and sell bonds to finance construction, expansion and improvements to projectsThe power to clear, demolish, remove or rehabilitate buildingsThe power to dispose of property by sale, lease, donation or retention of property for public purposesThe power to acquire blighted, deteriorated, deteriorating, undeveloped or inappropriately-developed property to preserve or restore historic sites for beautification and/or conservation, or to provide public works facilities or other public purposes